Characteristics and Trends in Postgraduate Nursing Studies in Argentina, 2006.

Abstract

In Argentina, postgraduate education for nurses is currently a priority both for professional and academic development. The offer has broadened in scope over the last decade, but little evidence has been gathered on real demands in the area. The aim of this study is to assess the trends and characteristics of postgraduate nursing studies in Argentina. The study is of the descriptive, transversal type. Population consisted of nurses working in public and private institutions. The 400-subject sample was taken from four geographical regions, and a self-administered questionnaire was applied.

45% of subjects were between 41 and 50 years, and 27% between 31 and 40 years. 80% were women, 70% working in direct care, 41% performing operational tasks and 35% working in management, and 78% has graduated in the last 10 years.

16% of participants have completed postgraduate studies, 18% are currently pursuing them and the rest has not yet begun any postgraduate course. The areas chosen were: 22%, Public Health; 21%, Management; and 18%, Education. 45% opted for conventional attendance courses. 100% underwent examinations.

92% had pursued courses and other postgraduate activities; 92% on clinical matters.

80% of the subjects showed an interest in postgraduate education; 38% favored specialization courses; 42% opted for MA courses and 22% for PhD courses. The most demanded fields were Management (24%), Clinical and Mother-Infant Areas (18%). 88% of subjects would prefer an accredited syllabus, and 40% for semi-presential courses.

The greatest obstacles detected were cost (67%), individual interests (14%) and distance to the academic centers (10%).

We conclude that in Argentina postgraduate offer is at an initial stage, and that offer has so far shaped demand. We foresee an interest in specialization courses in the future.